HEAT PUMPS VS. FURNACES

Heat pumps work like a refrigerator in reverse, and like refrigerators they consume electricity (Gas-Fired Heat Pumps are the exception). The good news is that heat pumps - namely geothermal heat pumps - consume just a small fraction (1/2 to 1/5) of the electricity consumed by air conditioners or furnaces. They can be much more energy efficient than their electrical appliances alternatives.

Heat pumps advantages

Heat pumps huge advantage is in their low electric consume. They can provide up to three, four or five times the amount the electricity they consume.

Air Heat Pumps Limitations

In moderate climates heat pumps are undoubtedly more energy-efficient and a better ecological solution than air conditioners or furnaces. But in cold climates, heat pumps – more precisely air heat pumps - aren’t such a good solution. Below 30º F (0º C) they don't work properly and have to be supplemented by gas heaters or other appliances, with the incurring costs (some modern heat pumps can be equipped with back up burners).

If temperatures in your region are often below 30ºF/0ºC, or if your climate involves very high temperatures, consider...

- Ground (Geothermal) heat pumps ;
- High-efficiency air heat pumps: see New Heat Pumps Technology and Features

Heat Pumps and energy sources

The competitiveness of heat pumps is also largely dependent on your electric consumption and on the type of energy you are replacing. If that energy is electricity, than heat pumps can give you large energy savings. But if it is gas, than the heat pumps may not be economically advantageous.

See:

Are Heat Pumps suitable for my home?
Heat Pumps vs Central Air Conditioning